Local stargazers ready for Super Blood Wolf Moon - News3LV

Along with appearing 14% larger, the moon will also appear 30% brighter

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) —

A lot of local stargazers have a big weekend to look forward to, weather permitting.

For the first time in more than three years, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in North America. This one even has a special name, a “Super Blood Wolf” moon.

Greg McKay, with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, broke it down. “During a super moon it’s closer to us, and so it appears slightly larger than a regular full moon,” said McKay.

Along with appearing 14% larger, it will also appear 30% brighter.

“The blood moon is a reference to every lunar eclipse, when it’s in total, because the moon sort of turns a reddish color,” said McKay. “The wolf part,” McKay added, “is every month's full moon has a name. and January's full moon is called a wolf moon."

The next full lunar eclipse visible in North America won’t happen until May of 2021, so the local Astronomical Society is expecting a big turnout at this viewing event on the CSN Cheyenne Campus Sunday evening.

“I’m not a big sports guy,” McKay joked, “but this is the equivalent of a big tailgate party for astronomy geeks."

McKay says they’re expecting 400 to 500 people, and plan to have several telescopes set up so stargazers can enjoy the spectacle.

To learn more about this, and other upcoming events held by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, you can visit their website.

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